Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will new crash-rated gates permanently reshape how you walk Bourbon Street?

Also, don't miss Third Annual John Doyle Memorial Christmas Parade on the New Orleans Patch calendar

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
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What's up New Orleans! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will new crash-rated gates permanently reshape how you walk Bourbon Street?
  • How Xavier’s centennial year is reshaping this New Orleans HBCU’s future
  • How 35 endangered sea turtles ended up recovering in New Orleans

Also on today's calendar: Third Annual John Doyle Memorial Christmas Parade and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in New Orleansfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in New Orleansfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 73 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 74, low: 54.
  • Sunday: Windy and cooler, with a high of 61 and low of 33 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New Orleans security leaders pitch new barrier plan for Bourbon Street (wafb.com) — New Orleans security and city leaders are weighing a new system of swinging gates to permanently control vehicle access on Bourbon Street, replacing the current temporary barriers. The proposed crash-rated gates would create pedestrian-only sections while still allowing cross traffic and emergency access. City council members signaled interest but want final decisions made after the new administration takes office.
   

2. Celebrating its first century, Xavier University of Louisiana perseveres as Catholic HBCU (richmondfreepress.com) — Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans is marking its 100th year with both painful staff cuts and a transformative $38 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The Catholic HBCU is doubling down on its mission as a Black, interfaith-friendly campus, blending Catholic social teaching with a predominantly non-Catholic, largely local Black student body shaped by New Orleans’ culture and history.
   

3. Audubon Aquarium caring for 35 rescued sea turtles (wgno.com) — New Orleans’ Audubon Aquarium is currently caring for 35 critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles flown in from New England after a mass cold-stunning event. Veterinarians are giving each turtle individualized treatment and plan to keep them here until Gulf waters warm in spring, when the animals can be safely released back into their natural habitat.
   

4. Kicks Ball Gala features a night of honor, hope, and high impact (lincolnparishjournal.com) — A sold-out Kicks Ball Gala at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans brought Grambling State alumni, supporters, and partners together to raise money for the GAP Scholarship Fund. Honorees were recognized for student achievement, lifelong service, business leadership, and philanthropic impact, while guests enjoyed a performance by R&B group SWV and heard about Grambling’s growing role in expanding educational opportunity across Louisiana.
   

5. Mr. Bingle Celebrates Birthday with Historical Society (picayuneitem.com) — A beloved New Orleans holiday icon, Mr. Bingle, just turned 77 and was celebrated with a history talk at the Pearl River County Historical Society. Created by New Orleanian Emile Alline for Maison Blanche, the snowman character became a Canal Street and TV staple, visiting Charity Hospital and surviving Hurricane Katrina as a symbol of local resilience and nostalgia.
   

📸 Around New Orleans

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Louisiana Hooters Restaurants Helping Manning Family Children’s for the Holidays
    The Hooters restaurants in Louisiana are continuing their holiday tradition of giving back to children in the community. This holiday season... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • On my lunchtime walk today it seems that someone abandoned these 2 puppies at the old school that’s empty now in Algiers.
    Cross streets are Halsey Ave and Herschel St. New Orleans. I’m hoping someone can go get them and provide a home. (Nextdoor Behrman)
  • My cat Daphne, gray tabby with light green eyes and brown spots, has gone missing today around Jeannette and Burdette St.
    Please please contact me if you see her (504)676-1375 (Nextdoor Maple Area)
  • The Cleaning Authority, LLC posted a job opening for House Cleaner in New Orleans. Apply here.
  • Ryder System posted a job opening for Warehouse Storeroom Attendant in New Orleans. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near New Orleans here.

Ok New Orleans! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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